Effect of cattle manure on soil compaction in the brazilian semi-arid region

Abstract

Soil organic matter is seen as the most important factor in the assessment of soil management systems that affect soil quality and agricultural sustainability. Cattle manure added to crop residues left on the surface of the soil or incorporated have been used on agricultural properties in the semi-arid region of Brazil in the crop-livestock production system as an alternative for sustainable production. However, information on the benefits that this system can bring regarding the physical and mechanical properties of the soil is still limited. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of cattle manure on soil susceptibility to compaction, using the Proctor test. Samples of a “Neossolo Fluvico Ta Eutrofico” were collected at depths of 0 to 5 cm, 5 to 10 cm and 10 to 20 cm of an area cultivated with corn in the semi-arid region of Brazil. The Proctor test was carried out in the laboratory with samples obtained from depths of 0 to 5cm and 5 to 10cm without and with the addition of 15% and 30% of cattle manure. The experimental design was randomized blocks, arranged in a 3x2x3 factorial consisting of soil without manure, soil with 15% manure and soil with 30% manure from both depths and three replications. The maximum soil density, water content and organic carbon were evaluated. The results indicate that cattle manure can be an effective alternative in crop-livestock production systems on agricultural properties in the Brazilian semi-arid region, reducing soil compaction and leveraging agribusiness with sustainability.